Using Hitch Adapter to Carry 2 Inch Bike Rack Using 1-1/4 Inch Receiver Hitch
Question:
Bought a 2016 C max and need a hitch for my bike rack. Its 2 inches, a platform style. I love it and want to keep using it. This Curt hitch is 1.25. Would i get a connector to make them work together? Excuse my ignorance! Thank you!
asked by: Barb
Expert Reply:
You could indeed use an adapter like # HTAD that would allow you to use your current bike rack in a 1-1/4 inch receiver, but that's never the first option I'd recommend. Using an adapter moves the load of the bike rack further away from the rear of the vehicle increasing the leverage applied to the hitch and the hitch's attachment points to the vehicle. Because of this, any time an adapter is used the towing and tongue weight capacity of the hitch is reduced by half. This would mean that the weight of your bike rack plus what the bikes weigh couldn't exceed 100 lbs which doesn't leave much capacity. Not only is the hitch capacity greatly reduced, but introducing another piece into the bike-rack connection can cause the bike rack to bounce which is very hard on the hitch and the bike rack. This is why we recommend you avoid using adapters if at all possible.
The best alternative here would be to either go with a hitch compatible with a 2 inch bike rack such as # 306-X7200 or to go with a bike rack that's compatible with a 1-1/4 inch hitch, like the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider, part # HR200Z. This rack is extremely strong, and can handle bikes weighing up to 45 lbs apiece. A locking hitch pin is included and the sliding bike retaining hooks are lockable as well.
I've linked you to a product description video featuring the bike rack I mentioned.
Products Referenced in This Question
EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- EcoHitch
more information >
Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Expander
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- 7-1/4 Inch Extension
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1-1/4 Inch to 2 Inch
- Brophy
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: etrailer 4-Pole Flat Mounting Bracket Review
- Video: Curt 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket Review
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Rubber Hitch Cover for 2" Trailer Hitches - Qty 1
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Video: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Subaru Forester
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Video: Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Subaru Forester
- Shop: No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket - Short
- Shop: Brophy Mounting Bracket for 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Windshield Covers
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Vehicle Air Mattress
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Video: etrailer Hitch Receiver Reducer Review
- Video: Tow Ready 2 Inch to 1-1/4 Inch Hitch Adapter Full Demonstration
- Shop: Salt Spreader
- Search Results: e58zr
- Search Results: hollywood racks destination
- Shop: Floor Mats
- Article: Car Camping Checklist
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch for Mobility Scooter Carrier on 2015 Ford C-Max
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2013 Ford C-Max For Cargo Carrier
- Q&A: Recommended Bike Rack For Two REI Co Op Gen e1.2 Bikes
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Trailer Hitch Installation Tips
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
on Trailer Hitch
